Origins of Mankind

Has anyone read series "Earth Chronicle" by Zecheria Sitchin? He interpreted the oldest written text(Sumarian cuneiform) of the Origins of mankind. Its hard to believe because its seems so fantastic but it coincides with the same themes of all the ancient "Origin stories" from around the world. These cultures had no way of interaction, at least to date this isolation has not been disproved. The Olmecs(Meso-America)
Hindi books "Rig Veda" Egyptians, Asia I.E. Japan, Chine, . I realize geographically India,Mesopotamia and Egypt are close but we are talking 3,700 B.C. All have the same story of Beings descending from the heavens and giving us the Knowledge of Civilization. The one thing that strikes me is, after the Millenia of us being cave dwellers and wearing animal skins, stone tools etc.,it is literally over night that we start having Walled Cities, Organized Army's ,Agriculture, Astronomy. The ancients new that our planetary system was Heliocentric almost 4,000 B.C. and within 6,000 years of these coinciding "Ancient Mythos Origin stories" we are exploring space. Its interesting to me how we stayed stagnant for a Million years and we have progressed so much within a couple thousand . The Bible even talks about the Nephilim who come down "from the heavens" and find the earth beings beautiful and mate with them thus introducing new Genetic codes. We only use up to 10% of our Brain? 60% of our DNA is dormant? Just interesting.

Originally posted by Lycanthrope
We only use up to 10% of our Brain?

no, every part of our brain has a very specific function, and were we to "use" more of our brain at once than we would normally, it would function worse. Neuronal activity is very specific.

Yeah, what inimalist said, we use at least 15%.

Thanks for the input. I was told in college biology that we used 10% so that's the extent of my Neurological knowledge besides how synapse work with the chemical exchange of neurons but...... That wasn't the point of my thread but thanx.

Like technology our natural evolution worked on an exponential scale rather than linear. Hallucinogens probably played a big part in the forming of early makinds spiritual beleifs which would explain why a lot of them are similiar.

I can accept the idea of the Hallucinogens theory but for them all to have the same "Trip? They all took Hallucinegens and came up with the concepts of Agriculture,Commerce, Orginized Warfare, Math, Science, Art? That seems a stretch wouldnt you think.

Originally posted by Lycanthrope
Thanks for the input. I was told in college biology that we used 10% so that's the extent of my Neurological knowledge besides how synapse work with the chemical exchange of neurons but...... That wasn't the point of my thread but thanx.

you should ask for your money back from that class

Originally posted by Bardock42
Yeah, what inimalist said, we use at least 15%.

No, we use all of it. The myth stems from research that found only about 10 to 20% of the brain has specific dedicated functions. The rest is the nondedicated processing space, something like RAM on a computer. It would be possible to get some of the mythical effects of using "more of your brain" by increasing the size of certain dedicated areas of the cortex in order to give someone superhuman dexterity but doing so would severely damage the ability to think.

There's another great argument against the 10% myth. If we're not using all that space how is it that brain injuries consistently cause problems for people? Or better yet (I got this one from a college psych teacher) if you're not using 90% of you're brain, could I have some of it?

Originally posted by Lycanthrope
60% of our DNA is dormant?

Actually it's 95% of out genome that has no known purpose. There are several theories:

1) that 95% hides our psionic angel powers
2) we've only been looking for a few decades and genetics is very complex so junk DNA might really be doing something
3) junk DNA provides redundancy that our genome needs
4) junk DNA exists because our DNA is constantly being shredded by various things and having 95% empty space reduces the chances of dangerous mutation
5) the government put it there to keep tabs on everybody

Originally posted by Lycanthrope
The Bible even talks about the Nephilim who come down "from the heavens" and find the earth beings beautiful and mate with them thus introducing new Genetic codes.

Really? The Bible talks explicitly about genetics?

Originally posted by Lycanthrope
I can accept the idea of the Hallucinogens theory but for them all to have the same "Trip? They all took Hallucinegens and came up with the concepts of Agriculture,Commerce, Orginized Warfare, Math, Science, Art? That seems a stretch wouldnt you think.

They didn't all have the same trip. Hence all the different gods and beliefs.

Agriculture, Commerce, Orginized Warfare, Math, Science, Art are limited by what's actually possible and then by what happens to be practical. Math and Science especially aren't going to work out differently because of where people think they came from, both are rooted in facts and are just about universally applicable.

Originally posted by Symmetric Chaos
No, we use all of it. The myth stems from research that found only about 10 to 20% of the brain has specific dedicated functions. The rest is the nondedicated processing space, something like RAM on a computer. It would be possible to get some of the mythical effects of using "more of your brain" by increasing the size of certain dedicated areas of the cortex in order to give someone superhuman dexterity but doing so would severely damage the ability to think.

There's another great argument against the 10% myth. If we're not using all that space how is it that brain injuries consistently cause problems for people? Or better yet (I got this one from a college psych teacher) if you're not using 90% of you're brain, could I have some of it?

also, the 10% myth indicates that a doctor should be able to remove 90% of a person's brain, and that individual would still have normal cognitive function.

I'd quibble that 80-90% of the brain shows no differentiation. Lobes, though generally, have fairly specific functions. All I'm trying to say is that there is not 80% brain mass that can just be made to process any one thing. That type of mass is more likely in the parietal/frontal cortex, and related to attention or WM (though working memory in recent findings has some pretty specific activations and whatever).

An interesting point about the dexterity thing. That would be growth of the specialized motor system, and likely would not steal function from other general cognitive function, but instead, nearby motor function. I can't say for sure, but what might end up happening is bleed over from growth in cells representing finger movement to those right next to it. It might integrate (like synestesia) two movements into a single command, making it difficult to say, move a finger without also moving the arm, or it may take space that the arm could have used, lowering arm dexterity.

Long story short, many of the systems in the brain are moderately localized so that there isn't really any multi-purpose RAM. Each system likely has its own working memory, in addition to normal working memory (so like, visual short term memory is different than visio-spatial short term memory is different from working memory, and problems with each do not necessarily damage the function of others [though again, its probably easy to see how it could]). Also, most brain regions have some degree of function attributed to them. There is little brain mass that scientists are totally clueless about the function of.

Originally posted by Lycanthrope
came up with the concepts of Agriculture,Commerce, Orginized Warfare, Math, Science, Art? That seems a stretch wouldnt you think.

sociology has very detailed theories about the origins of each of these things individually. Some are related to geographical and climate conditions, others to the organization of social and family groups.

Further, many of these practices have visible correlations to behaviours found in the wild, indicating that people didn't "come up" with them, but that the ideas are genetically predisposed.

Also, to say that agriculture, commerce, or any other one of those variables started in the same way throughout the world is untrue. Farming practices vary dramatically world wide, especially in climates where only very specific crops grow. Religious mythology is much the same.

You would do yourself a favor to read "Guns, Germs & Steel"

Originally posted by inimalist
also, the 10% myth indicates that a doctor should be able to remove 90% of a person's brain, and that individual would still have normal cognitive function.

I'd quibble that 80-90% of the brain shows no differentiation. Lobes, though generally, have fairly specific functions. All I'm trying to say is that there is not 80% brain mass that can just be made to process any one thing. That type of mass is more likely in the parietal/frontal cortex, and related to attention or WM (though working memory in recent findings has some pretty specific activations and whatever).

You're so smart. 😍

And I feel clever because I actually understood some of that.

Originally posted by inimalist
An interesting point about the dexterity thing. That would be growth of the specialized motor system, and likely would not steal function from other general cognitive function, but instead, nearby motor function. I can't say for sure, but what might end up happening is bleed over from growth in cells representing finger movement to those right next to it. It might integrate (like synestesia) two movements into a single command, making it difficult to say, move a finger without also moving the arm, or it may take space that the arm could have used, lowering arm dexterity.

But it sounded cool, right? I was thinking of using that as part of a character design. Basically they make a CaptainAmerica type person by expanding the size of the motor function areas, which uses up parts of his higher brain functions and damages his ability to think rationally.

Originally posted by inimalist
Long story short, many of the systems in the brain are moderately localized so that there isn't really any multi-purpose RAM. Each system likely has its own working memory, in addition to normal working memory (so like, visual short term memory is different than visio-spatial short term memory is different from working memory, and problems with each do not necessarily damage the function of others [though again, its probably easy to see how it could]). Also, most brain regions have some degree of function attributed to them. There is little brain mass that scientists are totally clueless about the function of.

I knew about that the functions of the lobes were pretty well figured out but I didn't know anyone had figured out many more specifics than the motor and sensory strips. That's cool, so much information on the brain is out of date (as Lycanthrope's class showed).

Originally posted by Symmetric Chaos
You're so smart. 😍

And I feel clever because I actually understood some of that.

lol, hardly, I just pay good money to have people talk this stuff at me for a few hours every day.

but yes, I eat brains for breakfast

Originally posted by Symmetric Chaos
But it sounded cool, right? I was thinking of using that as part of a character design. Basically they make a CaptainAmerica type person by expanding the size of the motor function areas, which uses up parts of his higher brain functions and damages his ability to think rationally.

lol, thats more accurate. It is just that, finger dexterity probably can't get good enough that it enlarges the entire motor system that way.

However, it is almost more true that a small motor cortex/system would produce faster (though not more dexterous/variable) movement, as it would be a lean system with far less connections.

I like the idea for the character. I've had one for a while now where the power is sort of active and almost instantaneous control over neuroplasticity (able to rewire brain). Lots of cool things I've thought of with the character, not the least of which is the sort of thing you described.

Originally posted by Symmetric Chaos
I knew about that the functions of the lobes were pretty well figured out but I didn't know anyone had figured out many more specifics than the motor and sensory strips. That's cool, so much information on the brain is out of date (as Lycanthrope's class showed).

Indeed, a lot of the stuff I learn in my classes is out of date compared to the stuff I'm looking at in my lab. Its one of the exciting things about psychology, unlike physics or chem or even to some extent biology, psych has so many fundamentals yet to be discovered, and because of this, it is changing at a ridiculous rate. Even now, psychology has grown so much since even the 50s that it is almost inappropriate to call all the research done under the header of "psychology" the same thing, much like physics and chemistry are highly intertwined, though separate, schools of science.

lol, and don't get me wrong, I'm not saying we can point to different parts and list off all of its function, just that the idea of most of the brain having no particular function is probably not specific enough.

Originally posted by Lycanthrope
I can accept the idea of the Hallucinogens theory but for them all to have the same "Trip? They all took Hallucinegens and came up with the concepts of Agriculture,Commerce, Orginized Warfare, Math, Science, Art? That seems a stretch wouldnt you think.

Unfortunatley most people are to closed minded to consider drugs played any part in the evolution of human society.

Originally posted by inimalist
lol, thats more accurate. It is just that, finger dexterity probably can't get good enough that it enlarges the entire motor system that way.

However, it is almost more true that a small motor cortex/system would produce faster (though not more dexterous/variable) movement, as it would be a lean system with far less connections.

I like the idea for the character. I've had one for a while now where the power is sort of active and almost instantaneous control over neuroplasticity (able to rewire brain). Lots of cool things I've thought of with the character, not the least of which is the sort of thing you described.

Ha, ever had the idea of giving people super fast reaction times by lengthening axons or just giving all nerves a myelin sheath? (I'm not sure if I'd feel more or less geeky if you did) Marvel already beat you with the controlled neuroplasticity thing, the 1610 (Ultimate) version of MrFantastic can do that. Of course, I get half my ideas from GURPS Worldbooks, but where else can you find lists of biomodifications?

Also they have great made up quotes:

“Hey, Doctor Luce – this proteus nanovirus stuff – isn’t it
supposed to, you know, go out of control infecting and transforming
everyone, and like that?”
“Of course not. Not unless you design it to. Here’s how.”
– Dr. Lucien Locke, Nanovirus for Dummies

“Do you, Rashid, and you, Zoë, consent to become one
forever, to share one body, one mind, and possibly (though
with no guarantees) one soul?”
“We do.”
“Then I pronounce you One Being.”
– Medical biocomputer Raphael-3000

Originally posted by Magee
You could get in to the extreme side of it and say these people where connected via the plants(in my opinion mushrooms) they used and shared the same experiences although unknown to them. Magic mushrooms have an amazing ability to make you feel connected to every one, especially noticable when around others under there influence. I think hallucinogens are natures way of teaching, to help us understand the universe which would be why these cultures were similiar in many ways and how we got to where we are today.

Unfortunatley most people are to closed minded to consider drugs played any part in the evolution of human society.

I'm fairly open minded but that sounds totally baseless and silly.

Taking a crash course in human history might help, but that's probably not very likely. The simple explanation is that agriculture allows for increased specialization, and specialization leads to all of the great things you listed. (Walled Cities, Organized Armies,Agriculture, Astronomy)

That ag. sprouted in many (6) places simulatneously shows that people are smart- it took that long to shift from hunter/gathering lifestyles to agricultural ones after the ice age- it didn't appear earlier b/c it didn't need to. The changing climate spurred innovation in farming.

Guns, Germs and Steel is a good read, as is Ishmael by Daniel Quinn. Both give insight into your question.

Originally posted by Magee
Unfortunatley most people are to closed minded to consider drugs played any part in the evolution of human society.

I don't think that is true...

there really is no abundance of evidence that they did over and above human experimentation...

the religious influences of ayahusca and snuff in latin and south America are studied heavily, as with the traditional coca use.

I think you may be making an attribution error common to drug use. People confuse the affects of the drug (higher activation in the brain creating more meaningful connects between things that normally would not meet threshold activation) for actual perception. The "everything is part of me..." etc, feeling one derives from mushrooms is an effect of the drug, and not of reality. It is just our minds did not evolve to separate the subjective experience of hallucination from that of regular perception, and it is only at the highest cognitive levels that one can assure themselves "it is only the drugs"

Originally posted by Symmetric Chaos
I'm fairly open minded but that sounds totally baseless and silly.

Originally posted by inimalist
I think you may be making an attribution error common to drug use. People confuse the affects of the drug (higher activation in the brain creating more meaningful connects between things that normally would not meet threshold activation) for actual perception. The "everything is part of me..." etc, feeling one derives from mushrooms is an effect of the drug, and not of reality. It is just our minds did not evolve to separate the subjective experience of hallucination from that of regular perception, and it is only at the highest cognitive levels that one can assure themselves "it is only the drugs"

Originally posted by Magee
Well this is the religion forum.

I consider NewAge bullshit an insult to people's intelligence.

Originally posted by Red Nemesis
Taking a crash course in human history might help, but that's probably not very likely. The simple explanation is that agriculture allows for increased specialization, and specialization leads to all of the great things you listed. (Walled Cities, Organized Armies,Agriculture, Astronomy)

That ag. sprouted in many (6) places simulatneously shows that people are smart- it took that long to shift from hunter/gathering lifestyles to agricultural ones after the ice age- it didn't appear earlier b/c it didn't need to. The changing climate spurred innovation in farming.

Guns, Germs and Steel is a good read, as is Ishmael by Daniel Quinn. Both give insight into your question.

Thank you for your input and Book recommendation,but i dont understand how or why these concepts didnt come about before or after the many Ice ages that took place over the last 100,000 years? And Yes the Bible does mention Nephilim (another species) matting with the earth beings . Would this not be an amalgamation of different genes? It seems everyone jumped on the 10% concept but that was one of many things i mentioned, I stand corrected. How did an ancient man know anything.?.Observation, yet in the old Sumarian text they knew that we are not a Geocentric but Heliocentric planetary system. You cant know that through observation. They new of planets past mars how could they have done that through observation.